The Supporting Female Lead Chooses to Mark the Villain [Rebirth] - Chapter 42

Standing before the car, Shen Nian looked down and adjusted the hem of her dress. When she looked up again, she caught a glimpse of Shen Zui quickly averting her gaze.

On a whim, she deliberately turned sideways, resting her left hand on the car door. Once Shen Zui looked back, Shen Nian tilted her head slightly, showcasing her striking curves while blowing her a playful wink.

“…” More than half of Shen Zui’s face was covered by a black mask, making her expression impossible to read.

Shen Nian watched closely and noticed only a slight flicker in her eyes. Being unaccustomed to the art of seduction, and seeing Shen Zui’s lackluster reaction, Shen Nian straightened up and rubbed her nose. “Does it not look good?”

Shen Zui glanced at her. “Do you know what you look like right now?”

“Hmm?”

Shen Zui let out a cold snort and looked away. “A flamboyant peacock with nowhere to vent its energy.”

“Uh…” Shen Nian choked on her words. She quickly recovered, offering an awkward smile in retort. “Clearly, I’m a peacock in search of a mate…”

Shen Zui froze, her gaze turning imperceptibly deeper as she stared into the void.

Ever since Shen Nian had boldly confessed her feelings, the two had been stuck in this lukewarm mode of coexistence. Shen Nian wasn’t entirely sure of the other woman’s true thoughts, but judging by Shen Zui’s behavior over the past few days, she suspected the older woman was still struggling to re-establish her dignified identity as a “parental figure.”

In that case, Shen Nian decided to keep following her heart. There was no shame in pursuing someone—especially when that person was the most brilliant pearl of the Shen family.

However, after sleeping in the guest room for two consecutive nights, even the most high-end mattress couldn’t compare to the warmth of Shen Zui’s arms.

Shen Nian let out a yawn, looking at Shen Zui’s crossed arms with a hint of resentment. In the past, she could have convinced Shen Zui to keep an arm around her shoulders all night…

Shen Zui frowned. “Why are you dazed?”

“I’m not,” Shen Nian shook her head guiltily. She asked tentatively, “…Did you sleep well these past few days?”

Upon hearing this, Shen Zui rubbed her temples and didn’t forget to glare at her. “What do you think?” The implication was clear: it was all because this troublesome child made her worry so much.

Shen Nian wasn’t convinced. “It’s not just psychological, is it?”

Shen Zui: “…”

Shen Nian leaned closer, placing a hand on her arm. As the distance between them closed, their scents eagerly began to intertwine once more. Feeling the familiar body heat, Shen Nian’s body relaxed. In contrast, the skin under her fingertips felt tense.

“Shen Zui, I don’t believe that you can survive without me—”

“Shen Nian!”

Before she could finish, Shen Zui interrupted her coldly. Shen Nian paused. Shen Zui brushed her hand away while casting a cautious glance at the closed front window.

Inside the car, Driver Liu sat upright in the driver’s seat, his hands placed formally on the steering wheel. He stared straight ahead like a statue.

Shen Zui retracted her gaze and changed the subject. “It’s about time. You should go.”

Shen Nian tugged at the corner of her stiff mouth. “…Oh.”

Shen Zui seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. She instructed, “Everything has been arranged. If you run into a situation you can’t handle, find Qin Li; she will assist you with everything she has.”

“Mm.”

Shen Zui hesitated for a moment, but ultimately couldn’t help herself and reached out to adjust Shen Nian’s clothes. This latest top-tier luxury banquet dress was impeccably tailored; on Shen Nian, it looked even more expensive than it did on the runway models.

As Shen Zui adjusted the dress, her fingers accidentally brushed against the cutout at the waist. Though it was just a light touch, it elicited a soft gasp from Shen Nian.

“Hhh—ah—” Shen Nian dramatically covered her side.

“…” Shen Zui looked bewildered. “Did I hurt you?”

“It doesn’t hurt,” Shen Nian lowered her head, her face flushing. “It’s just… a bit ticklish.”

Shen Zui froze for two seconds as the realization hit her. She blurted out instinctively, “You’re faking—”

Mid-sentence, she caught herself and indignantly pursed her lips.

Shen Nian smiled. “How do you know I’m faking?”

Shen Zui gave her a shove.

“Oh, I remember now,” Shen Nian laughed even more boldly. “You probably know my sensitive spots better than I do, don’t you?”

Shen Zui began to feel grateful for the protective mask covering her face. She cleared her throat and said expressionlessly, “Get in the car.”

Shen Nian didn’t want to tease her too much, so she sat down in the car.

“No need for stage fright. You represent me,” Shen Zui said finally, handing her a deep purple ID card. “No one will dare to make things difficult for you.”

Shen Nian took it and examined it. The magnetic card was printed with Shen Zui’s name and her title: CEO of SX.

“I understand.” Shen Nian tucked the card away.

The next second, Shen Zui closed the door for her. Driver Liu started the engine and slowly drove away. Shen Nian waved through the half-open window, but Shen Zui just stood there without expression, her gaze devoid of warmth.

Shen Nian didn’t feel defeated. She leaned back and closed her eyes to rest.

Half an hour later, Driver Liu dropped her off at the SX annual meeting. As Shen Nian stepped out of the car, she struggled slightly with her new stilettos. Once she found her footing, she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

The light caught her diamond earrings, flashing directly into the eyes of Mina, who was nearby.

“Shen Nian?” Mina cried out in surprise.

Shen Nian looked up and frowned. She had no intention of engaging and started walking toward the entrance.

Mina’s eyes darted around, and she scurried over. “Hey, Shen Nian! Wait for me!”

She shouted so loudly that many people in the lobby looked over. Shen Nian took a deep breath and stopped. She looked at Mina. “Is there something you need?”

“You’re Shen Zhuan’s sister, so you’re here for the SX banquet too, right?” Mina said brazenly. “Take me up with you.”

“…” Shen Nian was speechless. She wasn’t even close with Mina; she had no idea where the girl got the nerve to ask. “No.”

Mina furrowed her brows. “Why? Oh, are you still mad about the Tao Di thing? Don’t be so petty.” She paused, her eyes shifting. “I don’t know what Tao Di told you, but there must be a misunderstanding. Take me up, and I’ll explain it to you on the way, okay?”

Shen Nian replied, “Guests need an invitation to enter. Clearly, you don’t have one.”

Mina bit her lip. “You know I’m dating Qi Zhou. He promised to bring me, but I can’t reach him suddenly! Just take me up, and I’ll find him myself.”

“Sorry,” Shen Nian maintained her poise. “I really can’t help you with that.”

She left Mina behind and walked toward the entrance. Just as she was about to pull out the ID card, the elevator doors opened with a ding.

“Shen Nian?”

Shen Zhuan and Qi Zhou walked out of the elevator. Seeing her, Shen Zhuan wrinkled her nose in disgust. She blocked Shen Nian’s path. “What are you doing here?”

Shen Nian gripped her ID card and looked at the card reader just a meter away. “I’m certainly not here for you. Can you move?”

Shen Zhuan pointed toward the door and lowered her voice. “This isn’t a place for a little rat like you. Get out!”

Shen Zhuan had always viewed the adopted Shen Nian as a “thief.” Seeing her now, dressed in high-end luxury at a Shen family event, triggered a massive sense of insecurity.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” Shen Nian said calmly.

Meanwhile, Mina ran over, clinging to Qi Zhou’s arm. “You jerk! Why weren’t you answering your phone?”

“I was helping Shen Zhuan host guests; my phone was on silent,” Qi Zhou said, loosening his tie. “I came down to get you as soon as I was free.”

Shen Zhuan glared at Shen Nian. “Heh, I gave you a chance. Don’t go screaming and embarrassing the Shen family when you’re dragged out of here later.”

“Heh,” Shen Nian sneered. “Who exactly is the one embarrassing themselves?”

The emotions Shen Nian had suppressed for so long finally bubbled up. She looked down at Shen Zhuan and even used the ID card to lightly pat Shen Zhuan’s cheek. “I’ll say it one more time. Move.”

“Qi Zhou!” Shen Zhuan’s voice turned shrill. “Throw her out!”

Qi Zhou stepped forward. “Shen Nian, just leave. You’re dressed up like a person, but do you really think you’ve become the Second Miss of the Shen family?”

Shen Nian tried to bypass them to swipe her card, but they blocked her repeatedly. Mina, thinking she understood the situation, began to laugh mockingly. “Oh, Shen Nian, look at you. I must have been blind to think you could get me in. It turns out you’re the one without a permit! Hahaha—”

Mina reached out to grab Shen Nian’s arm to push her toward the door. Shen Nian waved her hand to shake her off. She barely used any force, but with a thud, Mina went flying and landed on the floor.

As Shen Nian stood there wondering when she had become so strong, Mina curled her lip into a triumphant smirk and began to wail. “She’s bullying me! An Alpha is pushing a defenseless Omega! Is anyone going to help?!”

The security guards finally surrounded them.

“Shen Nian,” Qi Zhou barked, “What is the meaning of this? Why did you hit my girlfriend? Get the hell out of here!”

Captain Guo, the head of security, stepped forward. “What happened?”

Qi Zhou pointed at Shen Nian. “Captain Guo, this person is being unreasonable and bullying people. Please remove her.”

Shen Nian looked past them and saw Shen Zhuan smiling with pure malice. It was a look Shen Nian knew too well—the look of a “true” lady looking down at an “imposter.”

“Miss…” Captain Guo began.

Shen Nian raised her hand, flashing the ID card between her fingers. Her clear voice echoed in the lobby. “I am here to attend this banquet on behalf of Shen Zui.”

Captain Guo froze, took the card, and swiped it on his portable device.

Beep—Shen Zui, check-in successful.

“So it’s you!” Captain Guo’s expression flipped instantly. He bowed deeply. “I am so sorry. Our security measures were inadequate. I assure you—”

“How is that possible?!” Shen Zhuan pushed Qi Zhou aside. She stared at Shen Nian, teeth gritted. “Whom are you representing?”

Shen Nian didn’t even look at her. “Captain, handle the situation here. I’m going up.”

“Yes, of course,” Guo replied.

“Stop right there!” Shen Zhuan chased after her. “Who gave you permission to represent my Auntie? Huh?”

Shen Nian turned and glanced at them. She saw Mina trembling in Qi Zhou’s arms. Qi Zhou wasn’t much better; cold sweat was pouring down his forehead.

Shen Nian pointed at them. “That woman, along with her boyfriend Mr. Qi Zhou, framed me. The surveillance cameras can prove it.”

Guo nodded. “Understood.”

Qi Zhou tried to act tough. “Shen Nian, don’t you dare act powerful just because you’re using someone else’s name!”

Shen Nian tilted her head. “Oh? You know what I’m about to do?” She turned to the Captain. “Cancel Qi Zhou’s eligibility for the banquet and put him on the company blacklist.”

Guo hesitated. “That requires the CEO’s card to authorize. Are you sure you have full usage rights?”

“I am sure.”

Shen Zhuan finally exploded. “I won’t allow it! Who told you to listen to her? Kick her out now!”

Shen Nian let out a cold laugh. “Shen Zhuan.” She looked down at her sister with a chilling gaze. “If you don’t want to stay here, you can get out with them.”

Shen Zhuan’s breath hitched. “Who do you think you are?”

Shen Nian brandished the ID card. “Try me one more time.”

Shen Zhuan’s eyes were bloodshot with rage, but she turned and ran toward the elevator. “Just you wait! I’m going to tell Mother!!!”

Shen Nian took the private elevator upstairs. Once she reached the banquet hall, she was immediately approached by a woman in professional attire.

“Miss Shen Nian, I am Qin Li, CEO Shen’s assistant.”

“Miss Qin.”

As they entered, they ran into Shen Que (Shen Nian’s mother) and her husband Qi Yun. Qi Yun was furious about what had happened to his brother, Qi Zhou, but Shen Nian silenced them by showing the CEO’s card.

Suddenly, a crowd of business guests swamped Shen Nian, thinking she was the rising star of the Shen family.

“Is this CEO Shen’s niece? Truly as talented and beautiful as her aunt!” “Miss Shen Nian, a pleasure to meet you. Here is my business card.”

From the sidelines, Qi Yun whispered venomously to Shen Que, “Even when Shen Zui isn’t here, she sends a nobody to crush you into the dirt. Look at them—they’ve already forgotten you.”

Shen Que’s face was dark. “Shut up.”

The banquet began. Shen Nian took the stage to deliver the mid-year speech. She caught Shen Que’s gaze from the front table—a look that made her skin crawl.

“First, please allow me to represent Shen Zui and SX in welcoming you all…”

After the pleasantries, Shen Nian dropped the bombshell.

“Regrettably, due to health reasons and ongoing recovery, Shen Zui has decided to resign from all positions at SX and will not return unless there is a major emergency.”

The room fell into an uproar. Shen Que was stunned, frozen in her seat.

Shen Nian continued, “General Manager Shen Que’s contributions to SX are obvious to all. Shen Zui recommends Shen Que to become the new CEO of the company. Let us welcome her to the stage.”

Shen Que was pushed onto the stage in a daze. Shen Nian slipped away into the shadows, her task complete.

When she returned to the apartment, she overheard Shen Zui on the phone in the living room. Shen Nian was stuck at the entrance, struggling with the straps of her high heels.

“Congratulations… that position was always yours,” Shen Zui’s voice was deep and melodious in the dark.

“I didn’t let you win on purpose.”

“Sister, we are blood. There is nothing to fight over.”

“I simply feel that you are the best successor our mother trained. You are far more suited for that seat than I am.”